A new partnership could be the answer to helping more animals in the region. The Tuscarawas County Humane Society and Cats n Us have joined forces, with a mission to help cats find safe, loving homes. Cats n Us is located at 829 Union Ave. at Dover.
The Tuscarawas County Humane Society and the Cats n Us board will oversee daily operations with Megan Kovalaske serving as director. She has been employed by the humane society since 2009.
Cats n Us approached the humane society and asked for help at the end of March. We believe with our combined resources we could do more for these animals, said Kovalaske.
Since the partnership began, improvements have been made at Cats n Us to better serve the needs of the animals. Painting, organizing and general repairs have been made. We have moved the clinic and the step down area so these cats are no longer near the general population, said Kovalaske. When visitors enter they are able to see the cats available for adoption.
The partnership has led to the implementation of new policies and procedures with the best interest of the cats in mind. We can only accept cats from Tuscarawas County. If a cat is brought in, a donation of Purina brand cat or kitten food, scoopable litter or money must be made for the cat to be accepted, said Kovalaske. We want to discourage people from simply dumping the cats here when we are closed, said Kelly Schoelles, a humane society board member. We have had cats duct-taped to boxes and abandoned in the parking lot. It is illegal and traumatic to the animals.
Policies regarding adoption have been made more stringent. Those interested in adopting a cat or kitten must fill out an application which we must approve. They must be approved by a vet. This policy is for cats adopted as pets as well as barn cats, said Kovalaske. Twenty-five adoptions have taken place since the partnership began.
Because there are no laws in place to prohibit cats from wandering freely, overpopulation in the region has become a problem. Because we operate on grants and donations we can only do so much. Laws need to be created to help reduce the number of unwanted cats, said Schoelles.
Cats n Us will utilize education and outreach to raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering cats to help curb overpopulation. We are working with the Tuscarawas County Library where they will allow us to share our brochures and printed information with patrons, said Kovalaske.
Cats n Us is immaculately clean and is able to house 60 cats comfortably. Every cat in the shelter has been spayed or neutered, had a feline leukemia test, a feline FIV test, heartworm test, wormer, a five-way vaccination, fecal test, and flea and tick prevention. The facility is equipped with a screened-in outdoor area for cats wishing to enjoy the fresh air. Cats in the general population roam freely in designated areas.
When you adopt a cat you can be assured it has been thoroughly vetted and should require no further vet care for one year, said Kovalaske. People who adopt animals from shelters want more than just a pet, said Schoelles. They want to help.
A grand reopening and Adopt-a-Thon will be held at Cats n Us May 15 from 3-7 p.m. Tours of the facility will be available and guests can learn about volunteer opportunities. Those wishing to adopt can begin the process at a reduced fee of $30. Adoptions fees are typically $40. Guests are encouraged to bring a donation of scoopable cat litter, trash bags, Purina brand cat and kitten food or a monetary donation. Monetary donations are great because your dollar goes further when we can purchase needed items in bulk, said Schoelles.
As of May 15, shelter hours are Tuesdays or Thursdays, from 5-7 p.m., or Sundays from 3-5 p.m. Cat drop-offs will be by appointment only by calling 330-602-6762.
